Parkour is a way to express yourself through movement, taking whatever obstacle may be in your path and overcoming it through climbing, jumping, rolling, swinging, and other active motions. And since the majority of these involve a heavy use of your hands, it brings up the often-debated question of whether (or when) to wear climbing gloves for Parkour.
It doesn’t matter if you train competitively or for fun, in a big city or in the woods, in warm or chilly weather. Parkour is intended to be tough and ultra-challenging, and blisters and callouses and scrapes are expected. But, there are times that wearing climbing gloves for Parkour can make the difference between finishing the course or being incapacitated.
Like when your hands become so numb with cold that they simply won’t function. Or when they are so chewed up they can’t hold a grip. Or maybe you need to protect your hands for some other activity, like playing your guitar. In any case, it makes sense to always carry a pair of sports gloves with you to slip on when you need them (or keep tucked away when you don’t).
The best types of gloves to consider will provide a solid grip when dry or wet, and have a snug no-slip fit. Here is your list of top-rated picks for Parkour gloves.
Harbinger 155 Power StretchBack Glove
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of gloves to have on hand when you need them, these Harbinger 155 Power StretchBack Gloves will do the trick. These fingerless gloves are durable and comfortable, with a lycra back that’s stretchable and breathable.
The open finger construction allows direct contact for a natural feel, while providing protection to the blister-prone areas that need it most. The adjustable closure at the wrist creates a snug fit while making them quick to put on and take off. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.
Freetoo Hard Knuckle Military Gear Tactical Gloves
Designed for military operations, these tactical gloves from Freetoo are the perfect combination of strength and precision with lightweight comfort. Made of a breathable stretch material, they are breathable and moisture wicking, keeping hands dry and slip-free. The reinforced anti-skid palm technology absorbs impact while maintaining a solid grip. And these gloves are anatomically designed to provide an optimal, close fit, allowing extreme dexterity.
Full fingers and PC thickened mat knuckles provide ultimate protection against abrasion and extreme impact injuries. And if you’d rather have exposed fingertips for a direct touch, these military tactical gloves also come in fingerless version.
Choose from black, tan, or army green, and from 5 sizes ranging from S through XX-L.
The Gripper Glove – Unisex
Tired of the hassle of taping your hands to prevent painful callouses and debilitating blisters? These Gripper Gloves by Fit Four are the answer. These minimalist gloves provide an enhanced palm grip while maintaining maximum mobility, protecting just the areas that need it the most and leaving the the remainder of your fingers and hands free.
Designed with an anti slip silicone palm, they have a breathable form fitting lycra backing and honeycombed palm for full flexibility. And their patented compression fit forms to your palm to minimize change of creasing or slipping. And best of all for Parkour, they’re quick to put on and remove, and super compact for easy tucking into a wasteband or pocket until you need them.
Choose from 4 color choices and 5 unisex sizes from SX to XL, fitting most men, women, and older youth.
Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves for Adults and Youth
Made of top quality maximum grip technology, these Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves deliver an outstanding all over grip that performs in any weather condition and on any surface.
Battle’s patented Ultra Blad-span offers breathability and full-hand flexibility for superior control. Designed for the extreme grip and control needed by football receivers, these second skin gloves are great for climbing and swinging.
With 10 color choices and a broad range of sizes ensure you can find just the right fit and look. Youth-specific sizes are an ideal pick for kids Parkour.
Harbinger 143 Men’s Pro FlexClosure Gloves
The 143 Men’s Pro FlexClosure Gloves are another top rated pick from Harbinger that come highly rated for Parkour, obstacle courses, and Tough Mudders. This is because they offer comfortable protection without unwanted bulk.
Originally designed for weight lifting, they feature an open cell palm cushion that’s reinforced with soft abrasion resistant leather, and a stretchy mesh that allows natural hand mobility while keeping them cool an dry. A wrap around leather thumb protector covers and cushions the inside of thumb, a tender touch point that is often forgotten in other gloves.
Choose from black, natural or green, and from 5 sizes: Sm, Med, L, XL, and XXL.
It doesn’t matter if you choose to wear climbing gloves for Parkour every time you train, or just when you need them. Either way it’s a smart decision to have a good pair of solid grip, well fitting, protective gloves with you just in case. You never know when they’ll make the difference between being defeated or conquering the course.